When can I eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal

The removal of wisdom teeth may come with a lot of pain and discomfort. This leaves lots of people who undergo surgeries to remove their wisdom teeth in a state of awe, wondering if they can eat any solid food or when they can actually start eating food afterward.

Let us, therefore, explore in detail when one can eat solid food after wisdom teeth removal or the kinds of foods one can eat after such and procedure.

We will also discuss the importance of the wisdom tooth and why it sometimes becomes important for you to remove them.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to grow in your mouth when you reach adulthood. They appear when you are older, around the ages of 17 to 21. Having wisdom teeth does not necessarily mean you will become smarter. 

They are called wisdom teeth because they come in when you advance in age. These teeth are at the very back of your mouth. A lot of people have four wisdom teeth, two on top and two on the bottom. 

Wisdom teeth are classified as molars. They are the toughest and widest teeth that enable you to grind food. Wisdom teeth are usually removed when they do not have enough room to grow in your gum. This is because they tend to induce severe pain in such circumstances.

 Wisdom teeth that are impacted can cause a lot of pain and even damage to other teeth and can cause dental problems in general. They are usually hard to clean and are more vulnerable to tooth decay. Hence, its removal sometimes becomes imperative and you must undergo surgery for the removal of the wisdom teeth.

Why remove the wisdom teeth

Dentists recommend taking them out early on to serve as a precaution because they could cause problems later in life. Some of the future problems that wisdom teeth can cause if not removed include;

• Before the tooth comes in, the sack of tissue around it can grow into a cyst, which can lead to bone loss in your jaw.
• If the tooth is on its side under your gum, it can destroy nearby teeth by eating away the roots.
• Bacteria and plaque can build up around a tooth that’s only partly out.

When to eat after wisdom teeth removal

After your wisdom teeth have been removed, it is best to wait for the first 24 to 48 hours to eat food. Only liquid and soft foods like ice cream, yogurt should be eaten during this period.

You can also use a straw to eat after your wisdom teeth have been removed.

What foods can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

Soft foods and liquid foods are the best foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Foods like

• yogurt,
• mashed potatoes,
• mashed pumpkin,
• avocados
• mashed bananas,
• ice cream,
• hummus,
• smoothies,
• cottage cheese,
• oatmeal,
• non-salty salmon,
• warm (not hot) soup

The above listed are all examples of foods that can be eaten after your wisdom teeth have been removed.

Are there complications with wisdom teeth removal?

There are no serious complications after the wisdom teeth have been removed. You can experience a little bleeding on the first day. Your mouth can also feel sore and swollen for a few days. Bruises can also take a bit longer to go away.

It is best not to brush or rinse your teeth after you have removed your wisdom teeth. You can do that after the first 24 hours then gently gargle your mouth with salt water every 2 hours for at least a week.

Can I eat solid foods after wisdom teeth removal?

Eating solid foods after wisdom teeth removal is not advisable. It is best to start eating solid foods or adding solid foods into your diet about seven days after your wisdom teeth have been removed.

What foods must be avoided after wisdom teeth removal

Certain foods should be avoided after wisdom teeth removal because they can cause more pain and even infection. Foods that must be avoided after wisdom teeth removal include;

• Spicy foods,
• crunchy foods,
• sticky foods,
• alcoholic beverages,
• fizzy drinks, etc.

What are wisdom teeth and what are its functions?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that develop or grow in the mouth. They appear in your mouth when you become older, hence the name wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth give the teeth, in general, more pressure or strength to chew, crush and tear foods that are difficult or rough.